Defense requests own report of fitness in Hinds case

Sasha Hinds, 30, appeared via video from the state hospital in Billings for an omnibus hearing held Monday, July 15, in Richland County District Court on charges of deliberate homicide. Her attorneys were present in the courtroom.

The defense will be filing a motion to extend court deadlines, with no objection from the state, who is still in the discovery process.

The state hospital issued a report on fitness but the defense plans to do their own report of fitness with a psychologist. The time of that has yet to be determined but will be in the next 30 days. There is a motions deadline of July 29 and a court date will be set after motions are filed.

Hinds is additionally facing charges for assault with a weapon in the stabbing of Brendan Sheehan.

If convicted of assault with a weapon, Hinds could face up to 20 years imprisonment and fine of up to $50,000 or both. If convicted of deliberate homicide the maximum penalty is death and up to life in the state prison.